4 Steps to Test a Used Laptop/PC Before Buying (No. 2 Most Important!)

A. Windows Activation & Genuine Check

One of the basic things you need to make sure of is the authenticity of the Windows operating system used. Unofficial versions of Windows have the potential to contain malware, do not receive security updates, and can cause system instability.

How to Check Genuine Windows:

  • Click Windows + R to open the Run dialog box
  • Type slmgr.vbs /dli and press Enter to view the license information
  • Type slmgr.vbs /xpr and press Enter to see the expiration date
  • Pay attention to the “Description” and “License Status” sections. If there is a name other than “Windows” or “Microsoft” in the “Description” section, or “License Status” does not show “Licensed”, it could be a sign that Windows is not genuine.
  • If an error/warning appears, be careful! You can get blocked by Microsoft at any time!

B. Benchmark Test

Benchmarking is the best method to assess a device’s real-time performance against current market standards.

Gunakan UserBenchmark (Gratis & Cepat)

Install and run UserBenchmark to evaluate CPU, GPU, RAM, and Storage performance. The benchmark results will show whether the device’s performance is still within a reasonable range based on the specifications it should be.

Key Points When Reading the Benchmark Results:

  • CPUs and GPUs with far subpar performance indicate possible degradation or damage.
  • SSD Read Speed below 200MB/s can be an indication that storage has aged and overall performance is declining.

3. Battery Health Check: Don’t Drop Too Fast!

Battery health is one of the vital factors, especially if you buy a used laptop. Batteries that have significantly decreased in capacity can reduce mobility, comfort, and even require additional costs for replacement.

1. Battery Report (Must Be Done!)

powercfg /batteryreport /output “C:\battery_report.html”
  • Open the battery_report.html file in the browser

Important Parameters:

  • Design Capacity indicates the battery capacity when new.
  • Full Charge Capacity indicates the current maximum capacity.

If Full Charge Capacity drops below 60% of Design Capacity, then this is a sign that the battery has been degraded quite severely.

4. Final Stress Test: Make Sure It Doesn’t Overheat or Blue Screen

Conducting a stress test before buying a used PC is essential to ensure that the device can operate under heavy loads without experiencing issues such as overheating or blue screens.

This stress test simulates extreme use scenarios that aim to test the stability and durability of the device thoroughly.

A. Preparation of Combat Equipment

1. Download Tools:

2. Important Steps Before Starting:

  • Close all other apps
  • Place the laptop on a hard surface (not on a mattress/pillow)
  • Prepare a cooling pad if you have one

B. Perform a Stress Test Safely (15 Minutes)

1. CPU Torture Test with Prime95:

  • Select “Small FFTs” (maximum heat test)
  • Let it run for the first 5 minutes

Monitor:

  • CPU temperature (ideal <85°C)
  • Clock speed (well below base speed? = thermal throttle)

2. GPU Burn Test with FurMark:

  • 1280×720 resolution set
  • Enable “Burn-in” mode

Beware:

  • Artifact (lines/visual impairment) = VGA is broken
  • GPU temperature >90°C = danger of overheating

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